Yukon workers remembered on Canada’s Day of Mourning

WHITEHORSE: Yukoners will gather on Saturday for the Day of Mourning ceremony taking place at the Workers’ Memorial in Shipyards Park. The annual occasion honours Yukon workers who lost their lives to work-related incidents or occupational disease, and workers who were injured on the job.

“On Saturday, we will come together as workers, employers and family members to pay tribute to those who have died on the job,” said, President/CEO of the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board Kurt Dieckmann. “This ceremony also calls us to reflect upon the vital role that occupational health and safety plays in protecting our lives and wellbeing at work.”

Last year, almost 500 workers suffered a workplace injury that required time away from their jobs to recover. Since 1984, there have been over 60 workplaces fatalities, with one in 2017.

In Whitehorse, the ceremony is hosted by the Yukon Federation of Labour in partnership with the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board. This year’s prevention-focused theme is “Violence and harassment: Not part of the job.”

“The Day of Mourning reminds us of the worst that can happen to workers in the course of doing their jobs.” said President of the Yukon Federation of Labour Justin Lemphers. “These injuries can be physical or mental and this year’s theme draws our attention to preventing the serious harm that is done by workplace violence and harassment.”

The annual National Day of Mourning was started by the Canadian Labour Congress in 1985. Events are taking place in communities across the country.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Day of Mourning ceremony that will take place at 12:30 on Saturday, April 28, at the Workers’ Memorial in Whitehorse’s Shipyards Park.